Portrait of Barack Obama
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Barack Obama on Russia

Deterrence and Sanctions (strong)

Barack Obama's approach to Russia evolved from one of cautious engagement to firm opposition, particularly after key Russian actions violated international norms.

Early in his presidency, the administration pursued a diplomatic 'reset' in relations with the Dmitry Medvedev government, culminating in significant nuclear arms reduction agreements.

However, this cooperative phase ended with actions like the 2014 invasion of Crimea and interference in the 2016 U.S. election, leading President Obama to impose sanctions and adopt a more confrontational stance against Vladimir Putin's Russia.

Obama's later assessment indicated regret that he may have allowed Putin to test the resolve of the West, acknowledging the persistent nature of the geopolitical challenge posed by Russia.

Timeline

  1. The Obama administration, alongside Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, reached an agreement to replace the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
  2. Obama and Medvedev signed the New START treaty, which was ratified by the U.S. Senate in December 2010, reducing long-range nuclear weapons.
  3. Obama criticized Russia's law discriminating against homosexual people, though he refrained from advocating a boycott of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
  4. Following Russia's invasion of Crimea, President Obama initiated sanctions against the country.
  5. Obama initiated sanctions against Russia again after evidence emerged of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections.

Actions Taken

  1. Arms Control Treaty
    Signed the New START treaty with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, aimed at reducing long-range nuclear weapons by about a third.
  2. Economic Sanctions
    Initiated sanctions against Russia following its 2014 invasion of Crimea and again after interference in the 2016 U.S. elections.
  3. Foreign Aid Policy Change
    Instructed agencies to consider LGBT rights when issuing financial aid to foreign countries, following Russia's anti-gay propaganda law.

Related Positions

  • Iran Nuclear Talks The complexity of managing relations with both Iran and Russia (a key negotiating partner in the JCPOA) defined aspects of his foreign policy.
  • Syrian Civil War Russia's direct military intervention in support of Bashar al-Assad significantly complicated the Obama administration's strategy in Syria.

Criticism

George Robertson

The former UK defense secretary and NATO secretary-general stated that Obama had 'allowed Putin to jump back on the world stage and test the resolve of the West,' suggesting a failure of leadership against Russia.

Sources2

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.